Breathing is one of the most natural things we do, but do you know how deeply it affects your energy, mood, sleep, and overall health?
When your body does not get enough oxygen, whether due to a medical condition, age-related changes, or environmental factors, simple tasks like walking around the house, climbing stairs, or doing light exercise can appear incredibly difficult.
This is where oxygen therapy for better breathing becomes so important.
In this article, you will learn the health advantages of oxygen concentrators and how oxygen concentrators can promote everyday wellness and also become your best buddy during travel!
But first…
What Are Oxygen Concentrators and How to Buy One?
A portable oxygen concentrator is a medical device that takes in air from around you, cleans it, and provides oxygen levels of about 90–95%. It is small, rechargeable, and easy to carry in a shoulder bag or backpack, so you can stay active and move freely.
Oxygen concentrator health benefits are endless, and these devices are also convenient, safe, and cost-effective, which makes them perfect for everyday use.
Portable oxygen concentrators for travel are available in multiple models, including Inogen Rove 6, Airsep Freestyle Comfort, Sequal Eclipse, GCE Zen-O, and more. You can learn more about these different portable oxygen concentrators and then decide which one works best for you.
Why Do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Matter for Everyday Wellness?
Oxygen concentrator benefits are not just limited to those who are seriously ill, but also those who are recovering from illness or are just looking for breathing support for daily mobility.
Better Breathing and Easier Daily Activity
Using an oxygen concentrator for daily life helps improve oxygen saturation in the blood, which allows the body to function more efficiently. When your oxygen levels rise, breathing becomes easier, the chest feels less tight, and fatigue is reduced. As a result, everyday activities such as walking, doing household tasks, and moving around the house or outdoors become far less tiring and more comfortable.
Increased Energy Levels
Low oxygen levels make your body work harder, which drains energy. With oxygen support, you don’t have this problem, and so you feel more alert and active during the day.
Better Sleep and Night-Time Comfort
Oxygen levels naturally decrease during sleep, particularly in people with breathing difficulties. Supplemental oxygen allows you to overcome this problem.
Enhanced Heart and Brain Function
As you would already know, the heart pumps blood to carry oxygen, but when levels are low, it needs to work overtime. By providing additional oxygen, concentrators reduce strain on the heart. This helps you achieve better brain clarity, focus, and memory.
Faster Recovery from Illness
People recovering from respiratory infections, pneumonia, or surgery benefit from oxygen therapy as it helps tissues repair more quickly and keeps lungs functioning efficiently.
Improved Exercise and Mobility
You can also use oxygen therapy for an active lifestyle. For people who want to remain active despite breathing limitations, oxygen therapy helps relieve breathlessness during light exercise, physical therapy, and outdoor activities.
Personalized Oxygen Therapy
Not everyone who requires oxygen therapy has the same needs, and one of the most important oxygen concentrator benefits is that it can be used by people who require any type of support.
Typically, there are 4 main categories:
Continuous: This is where oxygen flows at all times.
Pulsed: Here, oxygen is provided only during inhalation.
Night-time only: This is for people whose oxygen drops while sleeping.
During activity: Recommended for those who feel breathless while moving.
Oxygen Therapy for High-Altitude Wellness
Are you someone who wants to travel to high-altitude regions but has medical oxygen needs that make such adventures sound impossible? If you answered yes, there is some good news in store for you because one of the biggest Oxygen concentrator benefits is that it allows you to travel at high altitudes while staying safe and meeting all your health requirements.
However, it is important for you to understand the dos and don’ts of using a POC and how to manage the device safely, as this proactive approach will help maintain your daily functioning, independence, and overall wellness while you are away from home.
Here are some tips for oxygen therapy for high altitude wellness:
Know Your Destination’s Altitude and Ascend Slowly
Different destinations sit at different altitude levels, and this can affect your breathing. At heights that are above 12,000 ft, you are much more likely to experience altitude sickness. So, make sure to always check the altitude of your accommodation.
Also, remember that your body needs time to adjust to lower oxygen levels, so you need to ascend gradually. Ideally, you should try to spend one to two days at a mid-altitude to let your body adapt.
Talk to Your Doctor First
Before you travel, speak with your doctor about your oxygen needs. They can tell you if you require a higher flow rate, if you’ll need oxygen only at altitude or throughout the whole trip, etc.
Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested
This one is a no-brainer, but drink enough water! Altitude can impact your hydration, breathing, and sleep, so make sure to drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and rest properly.
Why do portable oxygen concentrators lead to Improved Breathing in High-Altitude Conditions?
- They supply stable oxygen.
- They reduce strain on the lungs and heart.
- They prevent drops in oxygen saturation, especially during activity.
- They help you stay energized.
All in all, using oxygen therapy for high-altitude wellness is the best decision that you can take for yourself if you want to develop confidence while being protected as a traveler. The peace of mind and ease that come with using portable oxygen concentrators allow you to truly enjoy your trip without worrying about breathing difficulties.
Here is our travel guide if you want more guidance on using oxygen therapy for an active lifestyle. Make sure to check it out and conquer your high-altitude travel adventures!
FAQs
1. Can oxygen concentrators be used for everyday wellness, or only for serious illness?
Oxygen concentrators are commonly prescribed for chronic conditions such as COPD or heart disease, but they are also used for daily mobility support, recovery from illness, age-related breathing changes, and maintaining energy levels during routine activities.
- Is it safe to use a portable oxygen concentrator every day?
Yes, portable oxygen concentrators are designed for daily and long-term use. They are safe, reliable, and built to deliver consistent oxygen levels when used according to medical guidance.
- Can I sleep while using a portable oxygen concentrator?
Many portable oxygen concentrators are suitable for nighttime use. However, not all models support continuous flow, which is usually necessary for overnight therapy. So, make sure to confirm with your doctor and ensure your device is approved for sleep use.
- Will using oxygen therapy make my lungs “dependent” on oxygen?
No. Oxygen therapy does not weaken your lungs or cause dependency. It simply provides the oxygen your body already needs but may not be getting sufficiently due to medical or environmental factors. However, it may cause side effects such as fatigue and headaches, or nosebleeds.
- Can oxygen therapy improve energy, focus, and mood?
Yes. Oxygen concentrator benefits include improvement in energy focus and mood as it ensures that the brain and muscles receive an adequate supply of oxygen, which can lead to better mental clarity, improved mood, reduced fatigue, and higher energy levels.
Conclusion
So, oxygen concentrators truly are a must-have if you need oxygen therapy because they not only improve your everyday wellness but are also great to have for when you travel.
If you have any questions regarding POC use, please feel free to reach out to us. As a trusted UK-based provider of portable oxygen concentrators, we at Travelling with Oxygen take great pride in serving our customers worldwide and are here to help you prioritize your health and wellness.